Hello, family and friends and random blogstalkers!!!
Wow, it has been WAY too long since my last post. I am so stinking sorry. Well, I'm officially a Peace Corps Volunteer in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador where I will be spending the next two years of my life. Incredible. Training is over and I learned volumes about our Youth & Families program, Peace Corps policies and recommendations, Ecuadorian culture, and most importantly...about others and myself. These past few months have been a real experience, and I'm just getting started...
Anyway, I'm starting my 4th week in my site. It has been quite a trip. I'm slowly getting to know the biggest city in the entire country. It's not the stereotypical Peace Corps experience that you read about in books, blogs, articles, etc etc, but it's my Peace Corps experience. :) I live in a city. I have running water (although it is cold water!). I have internet (usually). I live within walking distance from a giant mall. I take taxis regularly. I don't have to take bucket-showers. The list goes on and on. But this is my reality and it comes with it's own challenges and obstacles. Many people think I'm "lucky" to be in a city like this and I'm sure you can formulate your own opinion. Perhaps we can personally chat about it sometime, but I don't plan to use my blog to complain and rant about that sort of stuff. Just sayin'. ;)
I am slowly getting to know my compan~eros (co-workers, basically) which has been really nice. Sometimes I think people see me in a certain light because I'm am American woman which can sometimes be good...and sometimes bad. I'm not perfect, I have emotions, I get homesick, I don't speak Spanish as my first language, etc, etc. Sometimes people may forget these very important things which makes my life a little stressful at times. But anyway, I'm working with an organization that works with high school kids in the theme of sexual and reproductive health. It's really interesting because I learn new things everyday!! I have aspirations of teaming up with other org's too (in other themes related to my program) but I'm still just trying to fit in, familiarize myself with the city, and not go crazy. lol
I've been running everyday, cooking amazing foods, enjoying the city, and tolerating the HEAT!!!!!! It's hot EVERY SINGLE DAY. lol Sarah Stewart (fellow PCV who lives super close to me) went to a public pool this past Sunday to enjoy the sun. It was quite the adventure, to say the least. On an unrelated note - I LOVE getting snail-mail because it just warms my heart!!! I'm REALLY good about writing back 9I'm sending a huge packet of letters home tomorrow!!!) - however...I can't post my mailing address on my blog (hello, public space!!) Therefore, if you're interested in sending me mail, please just e-mail me (everlys1561@gmail.com) and I'll forward my address on to you. It's only $.98 to send a letter to here from the USA and I'm TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!!! ;) ;)
Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed this blog post. I promise to update more often, I'm just trying to not spend too much time online because, trust me, it really messes with my head (and not in a good way). It just is tough sometimes. Lots of emotions.
I hope everyone is doing well and holding down the fort while I'm on my little hiatus. I adore you all. <3 I'm sending MUCH love across the miles...
